Page 7 - Central Connection online Magazine2. January 2020 (1)

Focused ` on Health and Nutrition

Adventist Health Study- 2

AHS-2 "In this age of science careful peer-reviewed sci-
entific research shows that the dietary advice we
received 150 years ago almost certainly does extend
life; avoids premature cardiovascular deaths; and
decreases risk of many, if not most, of the chronic
disorders that impair quality of life in the latter
Newstart years of so many Americans. Our Adventist health
emphasis is now, more than ever, still well worth
sharing!" Gary E. Fraser, MBChB, Ph.D.,
M.P.H., a specialist in internal medicine, cardio-
vascular disease, and nutritional epidemiology

research showing outstanding results of an overall healthier lifestyle a vegan diet, more specifically, a whole foods plant based diet.
from eating a whole foods plant based diet. Almost always they men- Why? Because God wants us to be our very best for Him. A great
tion the Blue Zones in Loma Linda, California and their affiliation with example is given to us in Daniel 1:12-13. Daniel and his friends were
the Seventh- day Adventists. They explain these groups of people live found to be ten times more healthy than the others because they chose
longer and healthier lives due to their eating habits and active lifestyles. the better diet. We have a great opportunity to share what we know as
Furthermore, after interviewing many candidates from the Adventist well as be a witness of God’s saving grace.
Health Study, they also give credit to other factors that contribute As we begin this new year, I am praying for a way to be more pro ac-
to a healthier and longer lifespan. These include: refraining from alco- tive in spreading this awesome message. I am thankful for our Health
hol, tobacco, and caffeine, a close relationship with God, observing His Ministry here at Sac Central that offers monthly health classes to
Sabbath day of rest, and having frequent fellowship with church family. teach us about healthful cooking and living. I highly recommend these
Still, the devil has managed to confuse the simplicity of nutrition and classes and ask that you keep an eye out for the next one coming up
has managed to devise a plan to undermine God’s principles. Activism soon. However, is there more we should be doing to help advocate for
has taken the place of level headed education and it's causing more this lifestyle? As Seventh-day Adventists, we can take the driver’s seat
harm than good. The goal of these activists is to remove any and all ex- this new year! It is definitely a time to witness of our loving Savior’s
ploitation of animals. On the surface it sounds like a great cause. After soon and imminent return.
all we do love God's creation and don't want to see ani- In presenting health and Christian standards Ellen G. White explains
mals suffer more than they do. However, their strategies of- this: “Our work is to be practical. We are to remember that man
ten turn violent . While there is need to advocate for less animal cruelty has a body as well as a soul to save. Our work includes far
this type of outrage gives non activist vegans a bad name. (UC-Berkley more than standing before the people to preach to them. In our
animal rights extremists-DXE-Direct Action Everywhere Group on work we are to minister to the physical infirmities of those with
May 29, 2018). Then there are other organizations that twist the simple whom we are brought in contact. We are to present the princi-
health message and add their “religious” influence in a negative way. ples of health reform, impressing our hearers with the thought
For example, the popular Livekindly Vegan outlet explains that prac- that they have a part to act in keeping themselves in health.”
ticing yogi’s are finding it mandatory for participants to become vegan (Evangelism. 260.4)
before they engage in their practice or become members of their group. I for one am saddened to see my relatives and friends sick with dis-
The leader of the Catholic Church is proactively aiming at instituting eases that could very well be reversed if only they would change their
a day of rest (Sunday) to help our “Mother Earth” survive the climate eating and lifestyle habits. In return, they would not only improve
change. Why climate change? One must wonder. Million Dollar Vegan their physical health but it might just help them be more focused and
challenged the pope to go vegan for lent. Here is their response when intentional about their spiritual life as well. Although I still have a
asked “Why the Pope? long way to go in my battle of the bulge, I find myself determined and
Pope Francis – in his 2015 Encyclical Letter, Laudato si’ – has already willing to continue to make those positive changes as soon as possible.
expressed his deep concern about climate change, harm to the planet I want to revive and recharge this new year! What about you?
and the tyrannical use of animals. He may not be aware that the one
thing that underpins all these issues is animal farming. We hoped that Do you have any thoughts as to how we can spread the health message
he would try vegan for Lent and encourage the 1.2 billion Catholics right along side the gospel message? If so, contact me at connections@
around the world to do the same. Unfortunately, he didn’t take leader- saccentral.org with your comments and ideas.
ship on this issue by supporting our campaign, but we hope he will in
the future.” As Seventh-day Adventists, it would behoove us to choose 7
January/February/March 2020